Mayor Coleen J. Seng today invited the public to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the historic Old City Hall building at a community party Saturday, October 9 in downtown Lincoln.

“Old City Hall is one of Lincolnís historic and architectural treasures,” Seng said. “It also is one of Lincolnís oldest and most dearly loved buildings, and well entitled to a birthday party.”

Old City Hall is on the north side of “O” Street between 9th and 10th streets. The party will begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the public park area directly east of the building. At the party, Mayor Seng will unveil plans for a dramatic redevelopment of the park where the party will be held and announce a major private donation that will help finance the park restoration.

Construction of the building began in 1874. The building opened in 1879 as a federal courthouse and post office, and was converted to use as City Hall in 1905. The building served as City Hall until 1969, when a new government office building was built.

Since that time, Old City Hall has been home to a variety of government offices and non-profit organizations. It underwent significant restoration in the 1980s. Its current tenants include the Lincoln Arts Council, Leadership Lincoln and the County-City Property Management offices.

Saturday afternoonís festivities also will feature music, refreshments and tours of Old City Hall and portions of the Federal Place project on the north half of the block.

“Old City Hall is a beautiful and enduring landmark in our community, ” Mayor Seng said.“I also am excited about the new park planned on the block. I invite everyone to join us on Saturday for a fresh look at our past and a glimpse of our future. ”